Toyota Prius

Some may say the Hyundai Ioniq is this Korean manufacturer’s answer to the Toyota Prius. Hyundai insists otherwise, citing its own effort to deliver the most affordable and efficient cars the world over.

Maybe there is a touch of irony here, but what’s important is Hyundai’s approach to vehicle electrification. Building on years of research and development along with a history of offering Sonata Hybrid and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid models, the logical next step was to mass produce hybrid models and add a pure electric model to boot, that latter Toyota cannot claim with the Prius.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq

Hyundai’s Ioniq, a blending of two words — Ion (electricity) and unique — demonstrates just how serious Hyundai is about not just making an impression in the market, but transforming it. It is impossible to escape comparing the Ioniq to Prius, although there are some differences. After all, when you (Toyota) control 70 percent of the hybrid market, you’re in everyone’s crosshairs.

Like the Prius, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is a five-passenger front-wheel drive model. The competing models sit on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, although the Prius is slightly longer overall — 178.7 versus 176 inches. However, the Ioniq is wider — 71.7 inches to 69.3 inches. The Ioniq has the edge in interior volume 96.2 cubic feet versus 93.1 cubic feet, but has a slightly smaller cargo area — 23.8 cubic feet versus 24.6 cubic feet.

So, side-by-side the two models are very much alike, but key differences begin to emerge, giving an edge to the newcomer.

Indeed, the differences quickly become apparent in several key areas, including the following three:

1. Price — The base price for the 2017 Ioniq is $22,200, which is $2,485 less than what the base 2017 Prius costs. Add an $835 destination charge for the Ioniq and $885 for the Prius, giving the Ioniq Blue a $2,535 price edge over the Prius Two. In addition to the base Blue grade, you can choose SEL ($23,950) and Limited ($27,500) grades.

2. Fuel Economy — Toyota made news last year when it announced that its most efficient Prius made an EPA-estimated 58/53 mpg city/highway for a combined 56 mpg. That number compares to a 54/50/52 rating for most other Prius models. Hyundai found a way to top the Prius by delivering a model with an EPA rating of 57 mpg in the city and 59 mpg on the highway for a combined 58 mpg. Further, the standard model is also a Prius beater, achieving 55 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway for a combined 55 mpg. The Ioniq has the edge across the entire model line.

3. Transmission — Both manufacturers power their hybrids with a four-cylinder gas engine. Toyota offers a standard nickel-metal hydride or an available lithium-ion battery pack, while Hyundai uses lithium-ion polymer across the model line. The big difference, however, is in the choice of transmission — Toyota uses a continuously variable transmission, while Hyundai goes with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Hyundai transmission offers a quick response and a more connected feel for drivers.

A Matter of Style

Hyundai could have chosen a radical style, but fortunately they did not. From the front, the look is similar to the compact Elantra, dominated by a pronounced hexagonal grille offset by distinct headlamp assemblies and LED lights. Much of the profile seems familiar too, until your eyes scan past the “B” or the center roof pillar. That’s where a distinct, almost coupe-like roofline kicks in, ending in a very pronounced hatchback.

Like the Prius, the hatchback is rakish, offering a two-part split with a spoiler in the middle. Oversized rear combination lamps and a diffuser-like bumper give this model a sporty look.

All models are outfitted with “eco sport” wheels set within special Michelin tires designed exclusively for the Ioniq. Standard 15- or available 16- and 17-inch wheel choices are present.

Inside, you’ll find room for five. Even my near six-foot frame managed to fit in the back, although space is tight. Consider this model ideal for four with room for five in a pinch. A family with young children might embrace this car as well as commuters seeking the most efficient model on the market.

As for the seats, you’ll find surprisingly comfortable and supportive bucket seats up front and a 60/40 split fold-down seat in the second row. The battery pack is located underneath the second-row seat and this means neither passenger comfort or cargo space are sacrificed. Cloth seats are standard, leather seats are available as are heated front seats. The cabin is awash in plastic, but I’ll give Hyundai credit for the handsome print design across the dashboard.

Standard equipment includes a proximity key with push-button start, a tilt and telescopic steering column, dual climate control, and power windows. Also available is a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated outside mirrors, LED interior illumination, and premium door sill plates.

Safety and Tech Features

Hyundai expects the Ioniq will receive top safety scores from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All models are equipped with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.

As for technology, you’ll find a seven-inch color display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, USB and auxiliary ports, and an audio system with satellite radio and HD radio. Also available is an eight-speaker audio system, wireless device charging, and navigation as part of a $1,000 tech package on the SEL.

Driving Impressions

Hyundai made available the standard hybrid and the battery electric model for testing. A plug-in hybrid prototype was present and available as well.

As for the standard hybrid, it offers clean off-the-mark acceleration and steadily builds to highway speed. Notably, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine along with other hybrid components delivers a respectable 139 total system horsepower (compared with 121 horsepower for the Prius). You can also switch the transmission to drive mode and enjoy sharper shift points and the gas engine taking over completely. Steering feel improves, adding a certain “weight” to handling.

Hyundai chose a multi-link rear suspension design for improved ride and handling. You’ll notice the difference on twisty roads or wherever handling and stability issues loom large. Reducing body roll is a big thing, including in a hybrid.

We got behind the wheel of the electric Ioniq, a model that goes on sale in California in April and will be available elsewhere by special order before it rolls out nationwide. A big applause to Hyundai for delivering a torque-dense system. This model has plenty of kick — it even pinned my driver partner and myself to our seats when we floored it. Its 124-mile range will appeal to some who deal with range anxiety, but I cannot help but think the plug-in hybrid offers the best of both worlds.

Parting Thoughts

My first impressions of the Hyundai Ioniq were largely positive. It hits all the right marks and does so at a very competitive price point. Demand, however, may be the big unknown factor impacting its eventual success as lower fuel prices will continue to restrict the market. Also, customers are continuing to shift to crossovers, thus the car market remains a shrinking segment. A crossover variant may help matters, but it isn’t available now.

Working in the Ioniq’s favor is its price and tax credits, the latter coming in at $7,500 for the electric model on the federal level. For California residents, claiming an additional $2,500 tax credit drops their final cost to $19,500 ($29,500 before incentives kick in). Without such incentives, demand would simply dry up.

Sitting lower and coming in slightly shorter than the Toyota Prius, the Lexus CT200h (CT) is the smallest hybrid model for Toyota’s luxury brand. Now in its seventh year, the CT will soon follow the Prius and receive an update of its own. In the meantime, shoppers looking for a small hybrid hatchback with sporty driving characteristics would do well to consider this year’s model.

2017 Lexus CT 200h

The Lexus CT shares its drivetrain with the wildly popular Prius, but there are some important differences. Most notably, the CT is in its first generation and has yet to benefit from the changes made to the Prius in 2016 when that hybrid’s current-generation model was introduced. As a new model is being prepared (likely for 2018), the 2017 Lexus CT offers three new color choices. That’s the extent of the changes offered for a hybrid offered in standard and F Sport trims.

Speaking of trims, the standard model retails from $31,250, while the F Sport version fetches $32,980. All CT models are front-wheel drive and offer room for up to five.

Exterior Highlights

If you’re not familiar with the CT 200h, its diminutive size may surprise you. Lexus took a risk developing this product as it operates in a segment where only the CT and the Audi A3 e-Tron compete.

Measuring 171.2 inches from stem to stern, the CT is nearly a foot shorter than the compact NX SUV and the small IS sedan. Working to the CT’s advantage is its front-wheel drive layout, what bodes well on the interior room (more about that later).

The spindle grille look on the CT is measured — and that means it doesn’t overwhelm the front fascia. Distinctive hood creases, body sculpting, a high beltline, and a roofline that sweeps back to the hatchback contributes to this model’s sporty look. At the rear, you’ll find an integrated hatch spoiler, wraparound glass and combination lamps, and a diffuser-like tail.

The F Sport package represents a modest $1,730 investment to get a sportier look along with a specially tuned suspension with sport-tuned dampers and springs. The hatchback’s 17-inch wheels feature a special two-tone graphite and machine finish. You’ll also find a mesh version of the spindle grille, a black contrast roof and a rear spoiler with two large air ducts. Completing the expression is mesh and fog lamp inserts with black surrounds and special exterior color choices.

Interior Highlights

Lexus provides space for five, but in reality the CT is best suited for two. Okay, if you need to squeeze one or two people in the back, while moving your seat forward, this can be done.

The cabin is comfortable for the driver and front passenger, supplying ample bolstering and sufficient room for me to move my 6-foot frame around. The overlapping three-dial instrument panel offers a sporty presentation even if one of those dials is dedicated to hybrid information.

The center stack is marked by a color display occupying an alcove set within the dashboard. The floating panel connecting the center console with the dashboard should be familiar to Lexus fans. What takes some getting used to is the transmission shifter with the “park” feature occupying a button immediately below the stick — I wonder how many times people put the car in reverse, thinking they were in park?

The Lexus Remote Touch controller offers its own drama, at least for some people. Personally, I like the mouse-like design — once you’re familiar with the location of the pad, buttons, and switches, you’ll get the hang of it. Distractibility is always a potential problem with any system requiring your eyes to veer away from the road ahead. So, use the voice commands wherever possible — it worked great when it came to fetching directions. Those directions, by the way, come courtesy of an available navigation package ($3,480).

Opt for the luxury package ($2,170) and you can upgrade from NuLuxe to leather seats. But I have to say the NuLuxe does an excellent job of imitating leather — it has the look and feel of the real thing and importantly for some folks is that no animals were harmed in the process. Anyway, the luxury package also brings in heated and front seats, and other features.

Performance Features

Let’s get one very important point out of the way first: the 2017 Lexus CT200h makes an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg. My numbers came in slightly lower: 39.3 mpg for mostly highway driving. But I’ll take it.

On the road, the CT is not a performance beast. At least if you place the emphasis on off-the-mark acceleration or passing power. Even in sport mode (eco and normal are the other two), there’s no appreciable difference in performance. Remember, we’re talking about a hybrid model here, not the RC F. That means you’ll draw 98 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque from the gas engine.

One of two electric motor generators sends 80 horsepower to drive the front wheels and supplies regeneration while braking (energy sent to the nickel metal hydride battery pack for use later). The other generator works the engine starter and manages the transmission ratio control.

But there is one benefit that will appeal to people who like tackling the twisties. Even though the CT is front-wheel drive it weighs just 3,130 pounds and has what feels like an improved front to rear weight distribution. Then again, it is nose heavy with 59 percent of the weight up front and 41 percent in the rear. It just doesn’t seem that way when tackling the twisties.

Enhancing the handling experience is the available F Sport package as you’ll gain sport-tuned dampers and springs. Just don’t look for copious amounts of power to aid you as you press forward — it just isn’t there.

Safety Considerations

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2016 Lexus CT 200h its highest score: Top Safety Pick+. Testing for the 2017 model has not yet been accomplished, but we’re confident this model will retain its high score.

Besides the usual safety features — traction control, a suite of airbags, and stability control — buyers can opt for a pre-collision package ($1,500) with dynamic cruise control, what enables the CT to achieve its lofty safety rating.

Model Considerations

With standard and F Sport trims available, your purchase decision comes down to two things: luxury efficiency on a budget or a combination of efficiency and performance when choosing the F Sport.

Personally, I would skip the F Sport — if you’re looking for a measure of performance, then head to the IS line. You won’t enjoy the fuel efficiency of the hybrid, but you’ll gain performance characteristics in a tidy package for a slightly higher price.

Parting Thoughts

The CT offers an ideal blend of a sport hatchback design, premium features, and outstanding fuel economy. The person who admires Prius, but wants to upgrade to Lexus may find it delivers everything they want. Keep in mind that this model is shorter than the Prius and doesn’t have the interior space of the Toyota. The ideal purchaser may be the individual looking for a commuter car and the promise of 40 mpg. You’ll get that along with the CT’s green credentials wrapped in a Lexus package.